Special Guests / Invitados Especiales
Keynote Speaker / Orador Principal
Wilfredo "Choco" De Jesus
A/G U.S. Missions Director / Director de Misiones de A/D de EE. UU.
Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesús was appointed U.S. Missions Director of the Assemblies of God in April of 2024. He served as general treasurer from 2019-2024. He is a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
He served as lead pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Chicago from 2000-2019. During that time, the church grew to 17,000 adherents globally through church campuses, plants, and more than 75 ministries that reach the most disenfranchised: the poor, homeless, prostitutes, drug addicts, and gang members. Prior to this position, De Jesús served as district youth director for the Midwest Latin District (1989-1996) and as executive assistant to the CEO of Chicago Public Schools (1997- 1999). He was nominated to serve as a Chicago alderman in 2009 and ran for mayor of Chicago in 2010.
De Jesús is the first Latino to serve on the Executive Leadership Team. In 2013, he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world and recognized for his leadership and influence within the evangelical and Latino communities. De Jesús is the author of Amazing Faith, In the Gap, Stay the Course, Move into More, and Love Them Anyway.
De Jesús holds a doctorate degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
Wilfredo "Choco" De Jesús fue nombrado Director de Misiones de las Asambleas de Dios de EE. UU. en abril de 2024. Se desempeñó como tesorero general de 2019 a 2024. Es miembro del Equipo de Liderazgo Ejecutivo.
Se desempeñó como pastor principal de la Iglesia New Life Covenant en Chicago de 2000 a 2019. Durante ese tiempo, la iglesia creció a 17,000 adherentes en todo el mundo a través de campus de la iglesia, plantas y más de 75 ministerios que alcanzan a los más marginados: los pobres, las personas sin hogar, las prostitutas, los drogadictos y los miembros de pandillas. Antes de este cargo, De Jesús se desempeñó como director de juventud del Distrito Latino del Medio Oeste (1989-1996) y como asistente ejecutivo del CEO de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (1997-1999). Fue nominado para servir como concejal de Chicago en 2009 y se postuló para alcalde de Chicago en 2010.
De Jesús es el primer latino en formar parte del Equipo de Liderazgo Ejecutivo. En 2013, fue nombrado una de las 100 personas más influyentes del mundo por la revista Time y reconocido por su liderazgo e influencia dentro de las comunidades evangélicas y latinas. De Jesús es el autor de Amazing Faith, In the Gap, Stay the Course, Move into More y Love Them Anyway.
De Jesús tiene un doctorado de la Universidad Southeastern en Lakeland, Florida. Él y su esposa, Elizabeth, tienen tres hijos adultos y siete nietos.
In Concert / En Concierto
Abraham Velazquez
Christian Music Artist / Cantante de Música Cristiana
Abraham Velazquez began his career as a singer of contemporary Christian music (CCM) before eventually crossing over to the Latin pop mainstream with his major-label album debut, Por Ti (2007). Born on March 22, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is the son of two accomplished musicians: singer Debora Velasquez and composer, arranger, and producer Gregory Velasquez. As a performer, Abraham began his career alongside his brother in the CCM duo David y Abraham. In 2002, he made his solo recording debut with the album Enamorado, released independently by the label 21 Citiboyz Music. His second album, Enamorate (2004), was also released independently and, like its predecessor, was nominated for a Premio Paoli, which is an award designated for Puerto Ricans. Abraham's third album, Por Ti (2007), was his first major-label release. The album peaked at number 16 on the Latin Pop Albums chart in 2008, its popularity driven by the hit single "Amarte," a ballad featuring his wife, Bethliza Cintron.
Abraham Velázquez comenzó su carrera como cantante de música cristiana contemporánea (CCM) antes de finalmente pasar a la corriente principal del pop latino con su álbum debut en el sello principal, Por Ti (2007). Nacido el 22 de marzo de 1977 en San Juan, Puerto Rico, es hijo de dos músicos consumados: la cantante Debora Velasquez y el compositor, arreglista y productor Gregory Velasquez. Como intérprete, Abraham comenzó su carrera junto a su hermano en el dúo CCM David y Abraham. En 2002, hizo su debut en solitario con el álbum Enamorado, lanzado de forma independiente por el sello 21 Citiboyz Music. Su segundo álbum, Enamorate (2004), también fue lanzado de forma independiente y, al igual que su predecesor, fue nominado para un Premio Paoli, que es un premio designado para los puertorriqueños. El tercer álbum de Abraham, Por Ti (2007), fue su primer lanzamiento en un gran sello. El álbum alcanzó el número 16 en la lista Latin Pop Albums en 2008, su popularidad impulsada por el exitoso sencillo "Amarte", una balada con su esposa, Bethliza Cintron.
Guest Speakers / Oradores Invitados
Manny Rosario
Convoy of Hope
Emmanuel "Manny" Rosario serves as Vice President of Church Network and Multicultural Engagement at Convoy of Hope, blending 15 years of pastoral ministry, corporate leadership, and government relations.
He partners with churches, networks, and civic leaders to mobilize generosity, engage diverse communities, and advance compassion-focused initiatives that create sustainable impact. Manny is passionate about building bridges that reflect the Kingdom and transform lives.
Emmanuel "Manny" Rosario se desempeña como Vicepresidente de la Red de la Iglesia y Compromiso Multicultural en Convoy de Esperanza, que combina 15 años de ministerio pastoral, liderazgo corporativo y relaciones gubernamentales.
Se asocia con iglesias, redes y líderes cívicos para movilizar la generosidad, involucrar a diversas comunidades y promover iniciativas centradas en la compasión que creen un impacto sostenible. A Manny le apasiona construir puentes que reflejen el Reino y transformen vidas.
District Youth Director
Juan Murillo
Juan Murillo is a Kansas City resident who has served in Youth Ministry for over twenty years. He serves as the District Youth Director for the Midwest District and desires to see the Next Generation of Youth experience a Revival and encounter God. Juan is working on his Ministerial Doctorate from Liberty University to serve Pastors and ministers with Christian Counseling. Juan is married to Sierra and has two kids, Galilea and Milo.
Juan Murillo, residente de Kansas City, ha servido en el Ministerio Juvenil por más de veinte años. Se desempeña como Director Distrital de Jóvenes del Distrito Medio Oeste y desea ver a la Próxima Generación de Jóvenes experimentar un Avivamiento y un encuentro con Dios. Juan está cursando su Doctorado Ministerial en la Universidad Liberty para servir a pastores y ministros con consejería cristiana. Juan está casado con Sierra y tiene dos hijos, Galilea y Milo.
Royal Rangers Director
Jose Feliciano
A passionate leader, dedicated husband, and committed disciple-maker, Pastor Jose has spent over three decades serving the local church and raising up the next generation of leaders. He and his wife Roselyn have been married for 26 years and are proud parents to their daughter Seilah.
Currently serving as an Associate Pastor at New Life Covenant’s Humboldt Park campus, Pastor Jose has led and influenced ministries such as Chicago Masters Commission and youth programs at both local and district levels. Together with his wife, he co-created Family Journey, a biblically grounded parenting curriculum designed to strengthen families through faith.
His lifelong connection to Royal Rangers began at the age of four and has grown into a calling. He has served as a Junior Commander, Commander, Chaplain, and now serves as the Midwest District Royal Ranger Director. His heart beats for discipling men and developing boys into the Christ-centered leaders they are called to be.
Iowa Sectional Presbyter
Javier Manrique
Pastor desde 1985, Javier es un Ministro Ordenado y actualmente está pastoreando en Rio de Agua Viva en Des Moines, IA.
También sirve en el Presbiterio General y es el Presbítero de la Sección de Iowa.
Él y Eunice han estado felizmente casados desde 1988.
Pastoring since 1985, Javier is an Ordained Minister and is currently pastoring at Rio de Agua Viva in Des Moines, IA.
He also serves on the General Presbytery and is the Presbyter of The Iowa Section.
He and Eunice have been happily married since 1988.